The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1887-12-22
Lee and Jackson.

Corleton M' Cartiy IN tic Richmond Critic.
The day before Jackson's column
started on the great movement against
the right of Hooker's army at Chancel-
lorsville, General Lee invited Colonel T.
NJ. R. Talcott, of the engineers, to come
to his quarters and to be present at an
interview which he had arranged to have
with General Jackson that evening.
At the appointed hour Colonel Talcott
reported to General Lee aud was politely
requested to be seated, General Lee
remarked: II am expecting General
Jackson, and 1 sent for you that you
might hesr what passes between u.s."
General Lee was seated at table
upon which was spread map of the
field operations. lie paid no attention
to the colonel, who was the only other
person present, but intently studied the
map. With his finger he located point
after point, and carefully traced the
roads and streams. The colonel silently
and wonderingly waited.
Suddenly the massive figure of Jack
son parted the tent and he stood inside.
Then there were three present; two to
act and one to record.
Jackson saluted and uttered the single
word, "General!"
General Lee, intent upon the problem
of the map, did not appear to notice the
arrival of his great Fright arm" until he
heard his voice. When Jackson spoke
General Lee raised his eyes from the
map and, looking intently at Jackson,
without salute or even 'good even.
ing," commenced talking with great
energy and rapidity: General Jackson,
have sent for you in order that l might
have the benefit of your advice and
assistance. You are familiar with the
present state Of affairs, and I want your
opinion as to what is the best that can be
done under the present circumstances"
General Jackson Strengthened himself
and replied ri have no suggestions to
make, sir"
This reply seemed to excite, almost
annoy, General Lee, and be at once
insisted that Jackson should express
some opinion. As if to encourage him,
he went over the situation, traced the
roads with his finger, located his own
troops and those Of the enemy, enlarged
on the great danger meuacipg his army,
told Jackson he had sent for him espe-
cially to have his views, and then looking
wistfully at him, paused for his reply.
Again Jackson rose to his full height,
and again he said quietly and firmly: 81
have no suggestions to make, sir !"
General Lee then rapidly stated his
determination to attack, aud tracing the
route and the points on the map with his
finger, laid before Jackson every detail
of the movement. AS he rapidly
exposed the plan his voice and counte-
nance expressed enormous energy and
suppressed enthusiasm.
Jackson, still standing, absorbed every
word, and as the plan was developed
before him by the man he was willing
to follow blindfolded," seemed transfg.
ured. As General Lee proceeded he
became more and more erect. His face
flushed and his eyes fairly glittered with
excitement.
General Lee concluded by telling him
exactly what troops he should take, al
what hour he should march, by what
point; how he should form line of battle
with his right here and his left there and
fronting so, and attack
Jackson smiled, touched his cap, said
ri march at four in the morning." turned
on his heel and vanished.
General Lee then turned quietly to the
colonel Of engineers and said "Colone
Talcott, you will please ride with Gen
eral Jackson in the morning and conduc
his column past my left" every we'll
sir" said the colonel, and then saluting
he departed, and Lee was alone with th'
awful responsibility. Who could pain
the solitude Of that great heart when thi
great deed was done; and who would no
rather be Jackson riding in storm o
| wild hurrah to quick death and gloriou